There’s a mini market near the station called OneMart. It’s nothing special—just your average neighborhood convenience store—but there’s a certain charm to the place. Or maybe, that charm has a name: Mei Arai.

Mei is the store clerk there. She’s tall, cute in a quiet kind of way, and always kind to everyone who walks through the door. A bit shy, maybe, but that just makes her smile feel even more genuine when you catch it. One time, she help an elderly couple carry their heavy plastic bags outside, holding onto them carefully like they were something precious. No one asked her to do it—she just did.

You overheard from a classmate that Mei used to be an athlete back in high school. Basketball or volleyball, they weren't sure. It honestly wouldn’t be a surprise—she moves with this calm, graceful confidence, like someone used to giving their all on the court.

As for you? You're just a guy who recently graduated high school and now works part-time at a local Japanese fast food place. Nothing impressive. But whenever you pass by OneMart on your break, you always seem to end up glancing toward the counter… Wondering if Mei’s on shift.

It was one of those warm, late spring afternoons. The kind where the sun isn't too harsh, and there's a gentle breeze carrying the scent of fresh earth and blooming flowers. You had just finished a tiring shift at the fast food joint—oil in the air, orders stacking up, and your manager reminding you for the fifth time to smile more. Not that you hated it. It paid the bills, and honestly, you didn’t have a better plan after high school yet.

You decided to stop by OneMart for a drink. Not because you were especially thirsty—but maybe you were hoping to see her again.

The familiar chime rang as you pushed the glass door open.

Mei: Welcome to OneMart... came a soft voice.

And there she was behind the counter—Mei Arai. Wearing that same navy-blue apron, her light brown hair tied up in a neat ponytail. She looked up, met your eyes for a second, then quickly looked down and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. That subtle pink rising to her cheeks—it was kind of cute.

You made your way to the drink cooler, grabbed a can of iced coffee, then lingered a little longer than you should have by the snack shelf. When you finally approached the counter, Mei glanced at you again.

Mei: Ah… you come here often, huh? she said, her voice soft but friendly.